Royal Family makes rare statement about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

The Royal Family typically steers clear of publicly addressing the romantic lives of its members.

However, Kensington Palace has made a rare statement amid the feverish engagement speculation surrounding Prince Harry and his girlfriend Meghan Markle.

Talk of an 'imminent' engagement between the prince and the Suits actress has been swirling for several months, but it's really gained momentum over the last week.

The couple made their first public appearance together at the Invictus Games (Getty Images)

According to multiple reports, Markle is now living in Kensington Palace with her boyfriend of over a year, having relocated from her home in Toronto.

The 36-year-old also been spotted shopping in London's Chelsea, flanked by royal protection officials - the first time she's been seen with taxpayer funded security personnel.

These developments have convinced plenty of 'royal sources' that it's only a matter of time before the couple is engaged, with some outlets claiming Harry has already quietly popped the question.

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However, it seems the Royal Family isn't impressed with all this excitement.

Speaking with various UK media outlets, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said they “would not give a running commentary on Harry’s love life" and refused to answer further questions.

It's not the first time Prince Harry's relationship with Markle has been acknowledged in an official statement.

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Last November, the Communications Secretary to Prince Harry shared a message from the 33-year-old royal, defending Markle against the "wave of abuse and harassment" she'd been subjected as since rumours of their relationship emerged.

"Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle’s safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her," the statement read.

"It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm.

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"He knows commentators will say this is ‘the price she has to pay’ and that ‘this is all part of the game’. He strongly disagrees. This is not a game - it is her life and his."

Several months later, Markle addressed her relationship in an interview with Vanity Fair, revealing she and Harry had been dating quietly for six months before it became public knowledge.

"We're two people who are really happy and in love," she told the magazine.